Learn how to communicate, lead, and work effectively with colleagues and staff across multiple generations. 

Course Description 

Libraries are unique workplaces that often have staff spanning five or six generations. Differences in workplace expectations, generational norms, and communication challenges can create intergenerational conflicts that lead to frustration and low morale. This course will address these issues and teach you valuable skills for working across generations. You will learn strategies for communicating clearly and directly, providing and receiving feedback, and differentiating your leadership style to accommodate unique staff needs. Leave this half-day course with practical, people-centered leadership skills to decrease friction and create a more positive workplace culture in your library. 

The live sessions run on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 12:00 to 4:15 pm ET (recorded for on demand viewing). Don’t miss this opportunity!

Learning Outcomes

After you attend this course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand the characteristics and values of different generations in the workplace.
• Explore the unique strengths and challenges of intergenerational teams.
• Develop strategies for effective communication and collaboration across generations.
• Foster a culture of mentorship and inclusivity within organizations.

Who should take this course?

This course is geared toward anyone who leads or manages people. 

Course Features 

This will be a half-day online course and will include:

• Live sessions: Guest speaker presentations by leaders in their field. (All sessions are recorded for on demand access for six months after the course ends.) 

• Facilitated discussions: Audience participation in Q&A and discussion with guest speakers.

• Early access on-demand resources: Access to a series of past live session archives from Library Journal and School Library Journal courses to explore at your own pace. 

• Online Classroom: The virtual learning platform that holds all course content and is accessible for six months after the course ends. 

Expected time commitment

If you attend or watch the recordings of all live sessions, you'll spend approximately 4 hours on this course. You'll earn 4 hours of PD credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion. 

On-demand access

All live guest speaker sessions are recorded and available on-demand for six months following the initial broadcast as a part of your purchase.

Certificate of completion 

Complete the course and earn 4 professional development credit hours. We provide a certificate that is emailed to you. 

Accessibility

All guest speaker sessions feature auto captioning and are made available on demand after the initial broadcast. Please email libraryjournal@edmaker.co upon registration if you require any special accommodations and we will make our best efforts to facilitate them.

Support

For support with online courses, please contact libraryjournal@edmaker.co.

Group Rates

We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more. 

For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select “Bulk Course Credits Packages” in the form below. 

Request a group discount!

By registering for this event you confirm that you have read and agree to our Code of Conduct.

Half-Day Online Course    
Thursday, Apr. 24    
 

Course Instructor 

Jolene Pickens, Leadership Consultant at Dame Leadership

Jolene is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of distinguished experience in Leadership Development. Having studied business at New Mexico State University, she has owned and operated three successful businesses and held executive roles in corporations. As a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach and a dedicated learner, she brings a strategic and dynamic approach to leadership. Specializing in transforming leadership principles into tangible outcomes, Jolene employs an interactive style that fosters genuine team building. Her proven track record makes her an invaluable guide for organizations seeking to navigate from their current state to future success.

Course & Workshop Introduction | 12:00-12:15 pm ET
An introduction to the online platform and a chance to complete the course pre-assessment.

Session 1 | 12:15-1:20 pm ET
Understanding Generational Differences
What are some characteristics of different generations, and how do these characteristics influence how people can work together effectively? This session will cover the foundations of generational differences between Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. We will discuss generational stereotypes, key values, work styles, and communication preferences to set you up for success working together.

 
Session 2 | 1:20-2:05 pm ET
Leveraging Strengths in Intergenerational Teams
How can you ensure smooth, intergenerational collaboration among your teams? This session will showcase a case study to demonstrate how varied perspectives can be integral to creating successful teams. You will learn how to create a strengths map to identify strengths of your own and others’ generations. Leave this session with new ideas for how to leverage these strengths in team settings.

Break | 2:05-2:20 pm ET

Session 3 | 2:20-3:05 pm ET
Communication Strategies Across Generations 
How do communication styles and expectations differ among generations? This session will focus on communicating across generations, knowing when and how misunderstandings can occur, and resolving misunderstandings with confidence. We will discuss tools and techniques for effective communication, and you will leave with a personal action plan for applying at least one new communication strategy in your work.

Session 4 | 3:05-4:00 pm ET
Fostering Mentorship and Inclusivity
What is the role of mentorship in intergenerational leadership? This concluding session will cover the importance of mentorship and reverse mentoring in bridging gaps between generations. You will learn how to create an action plan to build an inclusive culture by analyzing and brainstorming initiatives that support intergenerational collaboration in your organization. 

Reflection and Closing Remarks | 4:00-4:15 pm ET
 

Online Course Preview

A preview of how we build your library skills and bring inspiration to your projects with our online learning experience.

Course Features

Live session with Andrea Blackman and Tasneem Ansariyah Grace	Live Guest Speakers Sessions Guest speaker presentations by leaders in their field.  Audience participation in Q&A and discussion with guest speakers.

Recordings of guest speakers

Recordings Available On Demand Sessions are recorded for on demand access for six months after the course ends.

Asynchronous workshop

Online Classroom  The virtual learning platform that holds all course content and is accessible for six months after the course ends.  Live session recordings. Peer conversation via discussion forums.

Early Access On-Demand Resources

Early Access On-Demand Resources Bonus: Register early and get access to a series of past live session archives from Library Journal and School Library Journal courses to explore at your own pace.  Some courses include supporting resources in the online classroom.